System for distributing files containing digital data using a computer network

ABSTRACT

A system for distributing files containing digital data, by using a telematic network, allows the remote booking of a plurality of files, through a personal computer ( 12 ) or a cellular phone ( 10 ), the choice of a support ( 16 ) onto which said files are to be recorded, and the subsequent collection of the support at a chosen point of sale ( 8 ). Moreover, the system guarantees the quality, the origin, the safeguard of the copyrights related with the files recorded onto the support and delivered to the client, and the protection of the material against any duplication until the production and delivery of the support to the client to which the material is destined.

The present invention relates to distribution of files containingdigital data by using a telematic network.

More particularly, the invention concerns a system for distributing andstoring onto a suitable support a set of files, music pieces,audio/video programs or text directly booked by a client.

The recent diffusion of electronic commerce via Internet, due to a moreand more increasing diffusion of personal computers in the families, hascreated new commercial opportunities as far as distribution and commerceof files, music pieces, video films or texts are concerned.

In effect, commercial Internet sites are at present available throughwhich the user can download on his/her own computer music pieces incompressed digital format (format MP3 is very widespread), or shortvideo films, also in compressed format, text files, such as books inelectronic format, or computer programs.

Indeed, such systems offer a lot of advantages to the consumer: actuallyhe/she can choose, and then buy, only the products of interest forhim/her and can create, on his/her own personal computer, a personalcollection of files or music pieces.

Yet, even if those systems are very flexible and powerful, theirdiffusion is at present limited by a number of factors: for instance,notwithstanding the use of very advanced compression algorithms, thefiles being transferred still have big sizes and, at the presentconnection rates, demand rather long transfer times.

Moreover, the compression algorithms unavoidably impair the quality of amusic piece, or of a film, so that the product bought by the consumernever has the same quality as the original piece.

The object of the invention is to provide a system for distributing andstoring onto a suitable support a compilation of pieces directly chosenby a client, which system ensures at the same time the maximumflexibility and easiness of use.

Another object is to provide a system allowing, via Internet, thecreation of a compilation of pieces with audio/video quality identicalto that of the original piece, so that the drawbacks of the prior artare no longer present.

The above and other objects of the invention are achieved by adistribution system made in accordance with the present invention, asclaimed in the appended claims.

The system made in accordance with the invention can be used fordistributing any kind of digital file, while ensuring observance of thecopyright laws.

The above and other objects of the invention will become more apparentfrom the description of a preferred embodiment, with reference to theaccompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of the architecture of the distribution systemmade in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a detail of the system shown in FIG. 1; and

FIG. 3 is a flow chart showing the distribution process implemented inaccordance with the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 1, a system for distributing files containing digitaldata by using a telematic network, such as an Internet network, adedicated intranet network or a network comprising a plurality ofinterconnected networks, comprises:

-   -   a store 4, connected to the network, where a plurality of files        of different kinds and/or formats, for instance music pieces,        video films, text files or computer programs, are stored;        moreover several stores 4 ₁ . . . 4 _(n), even located in        physically different locations, can be connected to the same        network;    -   a plurality of distribution points 8, also connected to the        telematic network, for the file recording onto a suitable        support 16 and the subsequent delivery to the client;    -   a plurality of telematic terminals 10, 12, connected to the        network, for the choice and the booking by the client of one or        more files present in store 4;    -   a central processor 2, connected to the telematic network and        centrally managing the operations concerning the file booking        through terminals 10, 12, the file transfer to a selected        distribution point, and the payment of copyright fees to        authority or authorities 6 owning such copyrights, as described        in detail hereinafter.

The structure of the constituent parts of the above-disclosed systemwill be now described in detail.

Each store 4 is substantially a server computer equipped with: a highmemory capacity 4 a, implemented for instance by means of rigid disks oroptical disks; an interface towards an acquisition network 9 connectingthe store with manager 2; means 4 b arranged to perform, if necessary, aformat conversion on the file to be transferred; and means 4 c forencoding the same file. In effect, a format conversion can be necessary,for instance in case of music pieces, from 16-bit, 44 kHz PCM standardof the CDs to MPEG2 layer 3 format (known as MP3 format).

Moreover, for security reasons, the files transferred from store 4 tothe corresponding distribution point 8 are encoded in block 4 c by usinga personalised encoding key, such that a single distribution point, or afew distribution points in case of broadcast transmission, can receiveand decode the file.

The files received at the distribution points are in fact stored intothe local buffer in encoded format, so as to ensure the maximum securityeven in case the whole local store is fraudulently taken away.

However the system architecture applies to the distribution of any kindof data, by signalling at the booking the desired storage support andformat.

A single store 4 may be provided, or the store can be subdivided into aplurality of stores 4 ₁ . . . 4 _(n), all having the same architecture:such stores can even be located in different locations, provided theyare connected to the manager 2 through acquisition network 9.

Connection between manager 2 and distribution points 8 is established bymeans of a broadband network 14, e.g. an optical fibre link or asatellite link. A satellite network allows broadcasting a same file toall distribution points with a unitary cost in terms of occupiedbandwidth. That opportunity may be very useful when, e.g. in the case ofa system for distributing music pieces, the launch of a new successfulrecord takes place and many requests of the same pieces at alldistribution points are expected.

Distribution points 8 ₁, 8 ₂, . . . 8 _(n) are independent apparatuses,which are located for instance at a shop of music products, a bookshopor a software shop, and are equipped with a connection to broadbandnetwork 14 and with a device for recording the requested files onto aproper support.

FIG. 2 shows one such apparatus in detail. The core of apparatus 8 ₁ isa computer 24, for instance a personal computer, coupled with: a localbuffer or cache memory 22, in particular a rigid disk; a recordingdevice 26, in the present instance a masteriser for supports like CDsand/or DVDs 16; and a device 28 for printing images and/or textscontaining information concerning the recorded files and for packagingsupport 16 into a suitable container 30. Apparatus 8 i is connected tobroadband network 14 through a connection interface 23.

Cache memory 22 is an essential distinctive and optimising element ofthe distribution system. Local storage in effect allows dispensing withmultiple transfers of a file, upon multiple consecutive requests, withclear advantages in terms of time and especially of costs, sincebroadband networks are at present very expensive. The operation of cachememory 22 is similar to the operation of a conventional cache memory: itaccumulates data until it becomes full, and then starts eliminating theleast requested files to create space for the most recently transferredfiles, while keeping the most requested files always available.

The distribution system, while being physically distributed, is based ona strong central control: actually, all parts are controlled by centralprocessor 2, disclosed in detail hereinafter.

Apparatuses 8 ₁, 8 ₂, 8 _(n) located at the distribution points areimplemented by the system manager and controlled through centralprocessor 2. The distributor (meaning by this term the shopkeeper)cannot interact with the apparatuses themselves in order to locallyoperate: thus it is impossible to copy file sets or individual files,stored for instance in cache memory 22, without a communication amongthe software modules installed at the distribution point, at the managerand at the owner of the file-related copyrights.

Each distribution point 8 further comprises enabling means enabling itsoperation only upon reception of a unique identification code (PIN) sentby central controller 2 whenever the system is activated.

Should the distributor need to use the same system to produce thematerial upon request from a client, he will use a user interface liketerminal 12, exactly acting like a client.

Moreover apparatus 8 can also be equipped with hardware protections,like seals and anti-burglar devices, even if software protections, dataencoding systems and transmission channel ciphering already ensure aglobal protection.

The client of the service can use, in order to gain access to thesystem, one of the systems and devices made available by the developmentof the so-called access products and technologies. For instance, accessto the service is possible by using a personal computer 12 having aconnection to an access network 11, for instance an Internet network, ora cellular phone equipped with WAP technology, a UMTS terminal and thelike.

Moreover, by adapting the service access interfaces at the server'sside, that is access network 11, it is possible to have available bothconventional booking techniques, such as a simple telephone request, andmore innovative technologies such as speech recognition. Actually, it isalways possible to adapt the user interface while leaving the overallsystem functions unaffected.

Central processor 2 is a network server connected to one or moretelematic networks implementing the logic functions related with theaccess by the user terminals for order collection (access network 11),communication to companies/authorities owning the copyrights (privatenetwork 13), access to the original files (acquisition network 9) anddistribution toward production points (distribution network 14).

The server manages the whole system thanks to a suitable program, thefunctions of which will be now described in detail. The program can beseen as consisting of a plurality of “modules”, mutually communicatingand possibly hosted on several processors, each module being entrustedwith a specific function.

A first module manages interfacing telematic terminals 10, 12 withaccess network 11 and takes care of the client registration procedures,the identification procedures and the collection of file bookings.Registration of a new client is a basic step for the use of the system:in effect, during the registration step, a personal “profile”,containing personal data, preferences and data necessary for payment ofthe services requested, such as the data of a credit card or a prepaidcard, is associated with the client.

A second module carries out the count and identification of the bookedfiles and manages debiting the client with the cost of the same files,by using the information related with the client's credit card or theprepaid card previously sold to the client by the service operator.

The same module moreover manages communication, through private network13, with authorities 6 ₁ . . . 6 _(n) owning the copyrights related withthe files booked, for instance by generating a report for the payment ofthe corresponding copyright fees.

A third module is on the contrary entrusted with communication withdistribution points 8 and with store 4, to check for the presence of thebooked files (that, in effect, could already be present in the cachememory of distribution point 8), and to manage the file transfer fromstore 4 to the distribution point concerned.

Acquisition network 9, access network 11, private network 13 anddistribution network 14 have been shown as separate logic networks, butthey could be implemented by one or more physical networks.

The distribution system previously described is wholly transparent tothe kind of material that can be distributed and that is generallyreferred to as “files”.

Therefore the formats only affect the architectural parameters that havebeen used and not the result, which is always and only the distributionfrom a central store 4 to a production terminal 8 for direct recordingonto a digital support 16.

The kind of support 16 often is determined by the kind of the requesteddata: If for instance the store in which the selection and the servicehave been carried out contains a set of records made available in CDformat, the CD will be the process output. The same will occur in thecase of DVD, SACD, and other formats.

The above-described system ensures copyright safeguard and protection ofthe contents being transmitted. Actually, only the manager, representedby central processor 2, is responsible for service provision.

To ensure copyright safeguard, right owning authority 6 is equipped witha software module, which carries out a dialogue with a correspondingmodule installed at the central processor 2 of the service operator.

Such modules exploit the technology conforming to Recommendation X509(release 3 or higher) for the transmission channel protection(ciphering), the electronic signature and the non-rejection of thetransaction through the mutual identification of the interactingsubjects/objects. To this end the system uses the Public KeyInfrastructure (PKI) architecture, enabling the recognition of ownCertification Authorities (CAs) for the whole of its clients anddistributors, or of any other CA recognition of which has been agreed toby the parties by virtue of a contract.

Copyright fee accounting is based on the requests contained in theorder, upon acknowledgement by the client of the correctness andcompleteness of the list of requested material.

The software entrusted with accounting and attributing the copyrightfees must be certified by the right owning authority 6, which has accessto the source code. Compilation for transformation into an executablecode will be carried out in the presence or under the direct control ofowner 6. The executable code will be associated with a unique string(referred to as “fingerprint”) by applying hashing algorithms withdigest capability (i.e. the capability of generating strings withpredetermined lengths that represent a digest of the original messageand have a particularly low repetition probability, of the order of10⁻¹⁵, in case of a variation of the original contents; for instance, asystem presently used is named MD5).

The above measure prevents the system manager from modifying or evenreplacing the software module entrusted with copyright fee accounting.

Moreover, for each set of files the copyrights of which can beattributed to a single owning authority 6, an identification code(rights certificate) is generated comprising: a manager identificationcode, a buy ticket of the produced set, and identification codes of theindividual products concerning owning authority 6.

The certificate will be digitally signed by authority 6 and stored byauthority 6 and by manager 2, and will be supplied to the clienttogether with the product that has been prepared.

File booking and distribution takes place according to the followingprocess, shown in detail in the flow chart of FIG. 3. The numbersassociated with the operations listed hereinafter correspond with thereference numerals allotted to the blocks shown in FIG. 3.

40—The client gains access, as disclosed above, to the module in centralprocessor 2 that carries out the client recognition and profileallotment; the system obtains from the profile also the usual client'slocation.

42—The client chooses the material by using a catalogue-like form; ifthe terminal employed allows so (for instance, by means of a webnavigation program) the client may effect a pre-listening or a previewof the material chosen, by taking from store 4 a portion of the fileschosen, in compressed format and of reduced quality. While the client islooking at the catalogue and is choosing the material, the systemsupplies the client with a display, in digital or graphical format, ofthe space needed by the files chosen, and the total file cost; moreoverin this step the system carries out on the requested files baseprocessing, if any, that can be related with the production step (e.g.volume normalisation and adjustments of the dynamic range).

44—The client is asked to check the composition of the order and toaccept it in order the operations can go on.

46—The client chooses the production support.

48—A check is made on whether the support is suited to the requestedmaterial.

50—Distribution point 8 is identified, i.e. the optimum production pointin respect of the automatically computed client's location, by relatingthe location with the map of the distribution points in the area; takinginto account that the client's location may vary (especially if accesssystems characterised by a high mobility are used, such as a WAPcellular phone), the process will request a confirmation of thedetermination of the client's access point, before carrying out thecomputation required for the choice of the distribution point. If thecellular telephone systems allow so, the datum being proposed could alsotake into account the position dynamically obtained by the cellularnetwork.

52—Production time is evaluated. The evaluation is strictly related withthe following basic parameters: size of the original data, time neededfor possible format conversion, size of the data to be transferred,ciphering time for channel protection, rate on the channel connectingthe manager and the distribution point, decoding time of the protectionciphering, production queue at the devices installed at the distributionpoint, and speed of the production device. Each of the above parametersis known to the system thanks to the knowledge of store 4 and of thedata stored therein, the knowledge of the topology of the networkconnecting the manager and the distribution point, the knowledge of thealgorithms for ciphering at the data transmission end and decoding atthe data reception end, and the knowledge of the technical features ofthe production devices, for instance a masteriser.

54—A preliminary dialogue is carried out between manager 2 anddistribution point 8 to communicate the list and the features of thematerial to be produced and to perform a check on the local availabilityof copies (in cache memory 22) and on the production queues present onthe chosen device.

56—The final acceptance of the order by the client is checked; in thenegative, the process stops.

58—A unique buy ticket is generated and is delivered to the client(through different procedures depending on the access terminal: directprint, SMS message, and so on), by associating it to the whole of thematerial ordered to the distribution point.

60—The cost of the service is charged by using the mechanism associatedwith the client profile (credit card or prepaid card).

62—The manager contacts the distribution point, through software modulesand protocols based on suitably developed IP network standards, bysending the list (directory) of the material to be produced; in case thematerial is not available at the distribution point, it is accounted andtaken from store 4; if part or all of the data, because of the cachingoptimisation carried out by the system, are already present at thedistribution point, the presence of the cached material will be simplysignalled and the missing material will be sent.

64—Upon the complete availability of the whole set of material, thesoftware in distribution point 8 will confirm the acceptance of thedelivery and will schedule the production of the requested contents onsupport 16. The contents will be a true copy of the original items, ifthe client has requested no production processing; otherwise suchcontents will be the copy resulting from the requested processing. Inany case no addition will take place of external information orprocessing that is not defined by the interface application for materialselection used by the client.

66—Production comprises printing a label 30, associated with support 16and containing at least a copy of the buy ticket, guaranteeing thematerial collection to the client, and the list of the files or piecescontained in the support.

68—The manager, upon receiving the confirmation from the distributionpoint, will inform the right owning authority or authorities 6 ₁ . . . 6_(n), via the telematic network and by adopting the softwarearchitecture described above, of each item concerning the authority orauthorities themselves; the manager will receive from the authority orauthorities the signed codes referred to hereinabove as “rightscertificates”; such certificates will be stored by the same authority 6and by manager 2 (in the file of the transactions carried out) and sentto production point 8 to supplement the label of the produced materialby associating the certificates to the buy ticket of the set of producedmaterial.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A system for distributing files containingdigital data, by using a telematic network, comprising: at least onestore, connected to said telematic network and storing a plurality ofsaid files; a plurality of distribution points (8₁. . . 8 _(n)),connected to said telematic network and comprising each means forreceiving one or more files from said at least one store and storingthem into a local buffer, and means for recording said one or more filesonto a suitable support; at least one telematic terminal, connected tosaid telematic network, for the choice and the booking by a client ofone or more files present in said at least one store, wherein said atleast one telematic terminal is a mobile terminal; a central processor,connected to said telematic network, and comprising means for collcetingthe bookings coming from said at least one telematic terminal, means forcounting and identifying the booked files, means for debiting the clientwith the cost associated with the booked files, means for generating acopyright fee report for the payment of copyright fees to an authority(6₁. . . 6_(n)) owning such rights, and means for transferring said oneor more files from said at least one store to at least one of saiddistribution points, wherein said plurality of distribution points areoperated under the control of said central processor, and each include:enabling means enabling its operation upon reception of a uniqueidentification code from said central processor; and a local buffer forstoring at least the files that are more frequently requested at thatdistribution point, wherein each of said plurality of distributionpoints is slaved to the central processor for distributing filesdownloaded from a store and files already existing in the respectivelocal buffer, and wherein a single optimum distribution point, amongsaid plurality of distribution points, is automatically calculated onthe basis of a current location of the telematic terminal.
 2. A systemaccording to claim 1, wherein said telematic network is aninternet/intranet network.
 3. A system according to claim 1, whereinsaid mobile terminal is equipped with WAP, I, IMTS or similarfacilities.
 4. A system according to claim 1, wherein said at least onetelematic terminal comprises means for taking at least one portion of afile from said at least one store, to allow a pre-listening or a previewto the client.
 5. A system according to claim 1, wherein said at leastone telematic terminal comprises means capable of displaying a list ofchosen files, and means for computing and displaying the residual spaceon said support and the overall cost of the chosen files.
 6. A systemaccording to claim 1, wherein said at least one telematic terminal islocated at one of said distribution points.
 7. A system according toclaim 1, wherein said plurality of distribution points is connected withsaid central processor through a broadband telematic link.
 8. A systemaccording to claim 7, wherein said broadband telematic link is asatellite link.
 9. A system according to claim 7, wherein said broadbandtelematic link is an optical fibre link.
 10. A system according to claim1, wherein said one or more files are transferred from said at least onestore to a corresponding distribution point in compressed digital form.11. A system according to claim 1, wherein said at least one telematicterminal allows choosing the kind of support used for recording.
 12. Asystem according to claim 1, wherein said at least one distributionpoint further comprises means for printing images and/or textscontaining information concerning said one or more files chosen, forpersonalizing said support.
 13. A system according to claim 1, whereinsaid means for generating a report for the payment of the relevantcopyright fees to the authority (6₁. . . 6_(n)) owning such rightsgenerate a unique identification code which is sent to the distributionpoint and is subsequently recorded or printed onto the support, saidunique identification code identifying said means for generating saidreport.
 14. A system according to claim 1, wherein the transfer of afile from said at least one store to a corresponding distribution pointtakes place in encoded form, by using a different encoding key for eachdistribution point, so that only one or a few distribution points candecode said file and store it onto the corresponding support.
 15. Asystem according to claim 14, wherein said files are music pieces andsaid support is a compact disc.
 16. A system according to claim 1,wherein the current location of the telematic terminal is identified ona map of the plurality of distribution points.
 17. A system according toclaim 3, wherein the current location of the telematic terminal isdynamically obtained by a cellular network.